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Abstract

Early childhood educators tend to be people who like to agree with their colleagues. Often we avoid conflict situations and keep the peace by being silent, rather than raising our voices in dissent. But rapid changes to the field, coupled with the explosion of knowledge in the 90s, have opened up new dilemmas and new challenges for teachers. If we are to meet these challenges in a way that honours young children, then we need to talk about our differences and diverse views in a spirit of trust and professional collegiality.

The Second Edith Cowan Memorial Conference on Early Childhood provides a forum for the debate of research and topical issues, and it has been the impetus for this book. Some of the contributors are academics or research graduates in Early Childhood Studies in the Faculty of Education, Edith Cowan University, and their work reflects issues that are important throughout the world. Several contributors are early childhood teachers undertaking research degrees in our Faculty, and they bring special insights to their writing.